SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for broader international participation in artificial intelligence oversight during a major event in Shanghai. He stated that AI must benefit populations worldwide, not just governments and corporations with the greatest resources. Guterres highlighted its increasing influence in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and employment. He also cautioned that unequal access could exacerbate existing disparities among nations and communities.
The UN Secretary-General noted that billions of individuals still lack dependable internet, computational resources, and advanced technical expertise. He called for increased investments in digital infrastructure, trustworthy data, tools in local languages, and professional training. Such resources would enable developing nations to develop AI solutions that bolster public services and align with national priorities. Over 20 countries, including China, have proposed establishing centers within a UN-supported network dedicated to building AI capacity.
Guterres announced plans to propose a Global Fund for AI aimed at assisting nations with limited resources. He outlined three key areas for international collaboration: enhancing capacity, establishing shared safety standards, and reducing environmental impacts. He emphasized the importance of compatible testing methodologies and uniform risk assessments rooted in human rights and international law. He also stressed that individuals must retain authority over decisions related to life and death.
Common safeguards for AI technology
The secretary-general underscored the importance of shielding children from potentially hazardous AI tools. He stated that developers should demonstrate a system’s safety before making it available to children. Governments and tech companies are urged to implement safeguards prior to integrating AI into classrooms, homes, or public services. Furthermore, he asserted that every nation should participate in shaping international regulations governing AI development and deployment.
AI’s environmental footprint is also expanding, driven by data centers, energy consumption, and water use. Guterres urged leading technology firms to disclose the energy use, emissions, and water impact of their systems. He called for the adoption of renewable energy sources for operations by 2030 and improvements in data center efficiency. Governments are encouraged to include clean energy requirements for AI infrastructure in their national climate and energy strategies.
Ensuring global access and responsible oversight
The United Nations has expanded its efforts in AI governance through international dialogue and capacity-building initiatives. Member states established a Global Dialogue on AI Governance to unite governments, researchers, industry leaders, and civil society. This platform facilitates discussions on safety, equitable access, human oversight, and ethical development. Guterres emphasized that international rules must evolve swiftly to keep pace with technological advances while safeguarding rights and ensuring transparency.
During the Shanghai event, Guterres connected issues of access, safety, and sustainability as components of a unified global policy challenge. He expressed optimism that AI can advance healthcare, education, food security, and essential public services. Nonetheless, its positive impact hinges on fair access to infrastructure, expertise, and decision-making platforms. He urged nations and corporations to collaborate on establishing standards, investing responsibly, and promoting clean energy to ensure artificial intelligence benefits all regions equally.